Cold Lake Air Show ready to take flight July 18 and 19

The roar of jets will return to Cold Lake as the Cold Lake Air Show takes over 4 Wing on July 18 and 19, offering two days of aerial performances, military displays, static aircraft, family activities, and a closer look at life on the base.

COLD LAKE – The roar of jets will return to Cold Lake as the Cold Lake Air Show takes over 4 Wing on July 18 and 19, offering two days of aerial performances, military displays, static aircraft, family activities, and a closer look at life on the base. Rob Larson, director of administration for the Cold Lake Air Show, said this year’s show will offer familiar favourites for returning visitors while also giving first-time attendees something unique to experience.

“The Cold Lake Air Show will welcome back returning attendees with the kinds of on-ground displays and activities that they’re used to while welcoming new friends with something that is one of a kind within the Prairies,” said Larson. Along with the performances in the sky, Larson said there will be plenty to see on the ground, including static aircraft, a redesigned kids zone, a car show, and other activities throughout the site. One of the new features this year is a Canadian Armed Forces experience area.

Larson said it will highlight units and squadrons from 4 Wing, along with guests from the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Army. “They’ll have every different aspect of life within the Canadian Armed Forces on showcase, highlighting vehicles, careers, merchandise, and more,” said Larson. The 2026 show will also include two large video boards, one adding video elements to performances and another sharing information about the showgrounds.

Larson said two major highlights this year will be the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, with Cold Lake hosting what he described as their final official military show, and the return of the F-22 Raptor demonstration team. “This iconic team has inspired hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts at our air shows over the past 55 years, and we’re excited for the opportunity to host them once again. Additionally, we are the only Canadian air show in Western Canada that will be hosting the F-22 Raptor demonstration team,” said Larson.

This year’s lineup includes military and civilian performers and static displays from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Larson said the variety of aircraft, helicopters, jet cars, aerobatic performers, heritage planes, and large walk-through aircraft is meant to offer something for everyone. Planning for the 2026 air show began before the 2024 event happened.

Larson said some performers require conversations to begin more than two years in advance. The planning team starts small but grows significantly as the event gets closer. By show weekend, Larson said about 1,500 members are involved in supporting the event.

“The team in the beginning is typically quite small 8-10 people for the first year of planning leading into the air show, and then slowly, but surely it grows through the 12 months leading into it to the day of hosting, to approximately 1500 members being engaged and active in supporting it,” said Larson. Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice said the air show is an important event for the city, both as a tourism draw and as a reflection of the community’s relationship with 4 Wing. “It means a lot, basically what it means is lots of people coming into the city, seeing Cold Lake for the first time or 40th time,” said Mattice.

Mattice said the event has become a gathering point for visitors, residents, and former residents. “It's really cool to see people coming up, and it's like a mini reunion for a lot of people,” said Mattice. He said the air show also gives Cold Lake a chance to showcase the pride the community has in 4 Wing and the military members who live and work in the city.

“Because of our relationship with 4 Wing, it's really important to showcase the pride we have in our community and the uniqueness with the F-18s and the jets and the people that live in Cold Lake and the sound of freedom when an F-18 goes overhead, right?” said Mattice. The City of Cold Lake supports the air show through infrastructure and operational assistance. Mattice said traffic flow to and from the base is a major part of the city’s role during the weekend.

He added that the road setup will shift depending on whether traffic is moving toward or away from the base. For the local business community, Mattice said the air show brings a boost to hotels, restaurants, and tourism while also giving visitors a reason to see Cold Lake as more than just a weekend stop. Larson said the event is also meaningful for 4 Wing because it gives military members a chance to welcome the public onto the base and share part of their world.

Larson said the air show is not only a major economic boost for Cold Lake, but also a chance for 4 Wing, the city, and the surrounding communities to work together in welcoming thousands of visitors. Ahead of the event, Larson encouraged attendees to review traffic maps, check the FAQ and download the air show app before arriving. Mattice also encouraged visitors to arrive early, be patient, and prepare for a full day outdoors.

Larson said attendees should plan to spend as much time as possible at the show because of the number of displays, activities, and performances on site.